The Basketball Podcast Matt Fletcher on Playing Fast and Conceptual (EP397)
Nov 5, 2025
Matt Fletcher, an accomplished head coach at Concordia-St. Paul, shares his journey to building a successful basketball program. He discusses his innovative up-tempo offensive strategy, emphasizing a blend of pace and smart shot selection. Fletcher explains his unique shot classification system, the importance of spacing for players, and using practice scoring to reinforce good decisions. He also highlights the challenges of playing fast and the need for flexibility in coaching methods to adapt to team dynamics.
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Building Through COVID And Youth
- Matt Fletcher describes taking the Concordia St. Paul job during COVID and building the program through many freshmen and adversity.
- He credits sticking with young players and veteran seniors for achieving the program's first NSIC title and NCAA milestones.
Train Pace With A Short Practice Shot Clock
- Use a 3–4 second practice shot-clock to train speed of movement and decision-making, not to force early shots.
- Buzz when corners and wings must be filled and be in your first action to teach pace without rushed shooting.
Differentiate To Recruit And Compete
- Fletcher notes Division II is full of long-tenured coaches and varied styles, so bring a unique twist to attract players.
- He built an offense that matched his personality as a former three-point shooter to recruit and differentiate.